Berrien County Health Department Promotes STI Prevention Services

BCHD's Taking Pride in Prevention program and Sexual Health Clinic offer education, testing and support during STI Awareness Month.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:27pm

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A translucent, X-ray style photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of the human reproductive system, conveying the complex nature of sexual health.BCHD's sexual health programs aim to provide the community with the education, testing and support needed to maintain overall wellbeing.Niles Today

As part of STI Awareness Month, the Berrien County Health Department is highlighting its prevention services through the Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) program and its Sexual Health Clinic. TPIP provides medically accurate education on sexual health and prevention to young people ages 12-19, while the Sexual Health Clinic offers confidential testing, treatment, counseling and preventive care to the community.

Why it matters

With STI cases trending downward in Berrien County, BCHD is focused on continuing to promote prevention through education, testing and support services. The TPIP program and Sexual Health Clinic aim to equip young people and the broader community with the tools and resources they need to stay healthy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

The details

TPIP, a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services initiative administered locally by BCHD, helps young people learn about healthy relationships and sexual health. The program emphasizes informed decision-making, personal responsibility and open communication within families. The Sexual Health Clinic provides confidential, accessible care including immunizations, STI testing and treatment, rapid HIV testing, and expedited partner therapy.

  • April is STI Awareness Month.

The players

Berrien County Health Department

The local public health department serving Berrien County, Michigan.

Miranda Bronicki-Dopp

BCHD's family health program manager.

Dionne Rigozzi

BCHD's clinical and community health services supervisor.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that oversees the Taking Pride in Prevention (TPIP) program.

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What they’re saying

“Parents and caregivers play the most important role in guiding children through adolescence. Through TPIP, we're here to partner with parents and help them feel confident leading 'the talk' about sexual health and prevention.”

— Miranda Bronicki-Dopp, Family Health Program Manager, Berrien County Health Department

“While we're encouraged to see STI case numbers trending downward in Berrien County, our focus remains on prevention. Through programs like TPIP and our Sexual Health Clinic, we want to ensure community members have the education, testing and support they need to stay healthy.”

— Dionne Rigozzi, Clinical and Community Health Services Supervisor, Berrien County Health Department

What’s next

Community members can request an appointment with the BCHD Sexual Health Clinic online or by calling 269.926.7121. Walk-in services are also available on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. at both the Benton Harbor and Niles clinic locations.

The takeaway

By promoting its TPIP education program and accessible Sexual Health Clinic, the Berrien County Health Department is working to equip young people and the broader community with the knowledge, resources and support they need to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.